Tianeptine was first synthesized in the 1960s and introduced for medical use in France in the 1980s. Since then, various regions—including Europe, South America, and Asia—have introduced it as a medication. However, the United States has never cleared it for use because of its side effects and risk of addiction. But like many other psychotropic drugs that create euphoria, Americans can acquire tianeptine—colloquially called “gas station heroin”—through online pharmacies or on the street.
The Right Step Houston offers evidence-based treatment for heroin addiction and tianeptine misuse, providing compassionate care for you or a loved one. Contact us today at 1.844.768.0169 to learn how our Houston heroin rehab can support your journey to recovery.
What Is Tianeptine?
Tianeptine treats depression, anxiety, asthma, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in many countries outside the U.S. It was initially formulated as an atypical tricyclic antidepressant. In addition to gas station heroin, street names for tianeptine include:
- ZaZa Red
- Neptune’s Elixir
- Tianna Red
Unfortunately, there’s a lot of marketing disinformation regarding tianeptine. Some of the manufacturers of this drug claim, without proof, that it’s a safe alternative to opioids and that it treats opioid use disorder (OUD), improves brain function, and reduces pain. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has never approved this medication in the decades that it’s been in existence.
Effects of Gas Station Heroin Use
Tianeptine binds to opioid receptors, which is why users report effects similar to an opioid high. However, the drug’s effects also include:
- Agitation
- Nightmares
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Heavy sweating
- Accelerated heartbeat
- Hypertension
- Confusion
- Blurry vision
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Slowed or stopped breathing
- Coma
It’s important to note that overdose deaths are a significant risk, as people in this country often take the drug without guidelines or medical supervision. When taken with other sedative substances—such as alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines (benzos)—side effects are amplified.
Developing Tianeptine Addiction
Frequent use of “gas station heroin,” or tianeptine, often leads to dependence and addiction. If you experience withdrawal symptoms soon after trying to quit, it’s a clear sign that seeking help from an addiction rehab center is crucial.
Withdrawal from tianeptine can mirror symptoms commonly associated with opioid withdrawal, including:
- Nausea and stomach discomfort
- Irritability and anxiety
- Chills and muscle pain
- Tremors and mood swings
- Insomnia and sinus problems
- Sudden muscle spasms (myoclonic spasms)
- Fever and high blood pressure
- Intense cravings
The U.S. has made selling or marketing tianeptine illegal, but it has not yet classified it as a federally controlled substance. This legal loophole has allowed it to appear as an ingredient in certain products that are still available.
If you or someone you know is struggling with tianeptine addiction, professional support can make all the difference. Don’t wait to seek the help you deserve.
Treatment for Tianeptine Addiction
In a rehab setting such as The Right Step Houston, the first matter of business in addressing addiction to tianeptine is to usher you safely through withdrawal under medical supervision and psychotherapeutic support. Our inpatient medical detox helps you navigate withdrawal symptoms and get you ready for the next stage of addiction treatment.
After detox, your treatment plan will involve evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Individual, group, and family therapy options are all recommended, depending on your needs and circumstances.
Enroll in Gas Station Heroin Rehab at The Right Step Houston Today
Whether an intensive outpatient or residential treatment program is right for you, The Right Step Houston can offer you a safe, professional, caring environment to begin your recovery. We offer dual diagnosis treatment for those with co-occurring disorders and provide follow-up care in our alumni program.
Whatever path you took to misuse tianeptine, you can find the path toward healing at The Right Step Houston. Call 1.844.768.0169 or complete our online contact form today.